In this clip from the episode, Janet encourages Jack to do some wake-up exercises. Jack, ever the jokester, quips that he’s already done “20 hair combs and two sets of teeth brushing,” adding that he doesn’t want to “overtrain.”
In this Three’s Company clip from the episode below, Janet encourages Jack to do some wake-up exercises, but Jack jokes that he already completed some, like ”20 hair combs and two sets of teeth brushing,” and doesn’t want to ”overtrain.”
Seconds later, Jack gives Janet a playful nudge on the backside, leading her to react with, ”I hate when you do that.”
This scene, while comedic at the time, would likely not make it past today’s standards. Some viewers, particularly on TikTok, have reacted strongly to the gesture, highlighting a shift in what is considered appropriate humor.
Pushed the boundaries
One TikTok user commented, “I haven’t watched this since I was a kid, never realized how inappropriate Jack was! ”. Another user responded, “It was funny stupid humor! Unfortunately gone today ,” reflecting nostalgia for a time when such moments seemed more acceptable in TV comedy.
However, others are less forgiving, with one comment reading, “A full on predator,” emphasizing the more critical view that such jokes.
In the past, many sitcoms, especially those from the 70s and 80s, often pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in the portrayal of women and men, with frequent moments of suggestive humor, slapstick comedy, and gender-based jokes. Three’s Company was no exception.
But today, societal views on women’s rights, workplace respect, and gender equality have led to significant changes in how TV content is created and consumed. What was once considered harmless fun is now often seen as reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Did Jack and Janet share a hairdresser?
This particular scene from Three’s Company has also sparked more than just controversy over Jack’s slap. Another detail, far less contentious, has caught the attention of fans: Jack and Janet have the exact same haircut. And if you take a closer look, it’s hard to deny! Joyce DeWitt’s hairstyle, especially throughout the show’s run, has been a frequent topic of debate among viewers online.
Many fans have fond memories of Janet’s hair in the middle seasons (4/5/6), praising its full, sleek look. However, there’s a division of opinion when it comes to her later hairstyles. Some viewers were not fans of her longer locks in the later years, while others fondly recall her earlier, more iconic cuts.
In fact, Janet’s hairstyle in the first season was sometimes compared to the famous ”Dorothy Hamill haircut,” a style popularized by the Olympic ice skater, Dorothy Hamill, known for her signature wedge cut that captured the 1970s’ fashion zeitgeist.
One fan shared their admiration for Janet’s hair, writing: “I just have to say that Janet (Joyce DeWitt) had the best hair. It was so thick and shiny and beautiful like a little girl. But I wonder how her hair got really thin and curly during the beginning of Three’s Company. Then it went back to straight and thick. What was up with that??”
The magic behind Joyce DeWitt’s hair
It’s clear that DeWitt’s evolving hairstyle didn’t go unnoticed and had women everywhere rushing to their salons, eager to recreate her perky, spiky look.
But what was the real story behind Joyce DeWitt’s magic hairstyle?
It turns out that it was crafted by New York freelancer Harry King, who meticulously cut short, even layers all around her head for that light, airy vibe. According to AP, he added a bit of extra thickness and length at the neck, framing her face with perfect balance. The result? A wash-and-wear style that fell effortlessly into place, needing only regular trims to keep it soft and shapely.
Bloop or Nope? The ‘Set Top’ debate
For anyone with a soft spot for bloopers, spotting a glaring mistake in the Three’s Company episode ”A Crowded Romance” can be a bit of a challenge. However, eagle-eyed fans have still managed to find something that raises a few eyebrows.
”Anyone else notice that you can see the top of the set when he talks about the job?” one fan asked, pointing out a detail you might miss if you’re not paying close attention.
It’s not uncommon for these kinds of on-set slip-ups to happen—whether it’s a piece of equipment sneaking into the shot or a backstage prop making an unplanned cameo. But in this particular case, it seems the so-called “blooper” is more of a misunderstanding.
As several fans have pointed out, there’s no actual mistake here. What some believed to be the top of the set is actually just a bit of old-fashioned décor. Those retro design elements might look out of place to modern eyes, but they’re right at home in the world of Three’s Company.
Whether you’re reminiscing about Janet’s iconic hairstyles, laughing at Jack’s antics, or debating if his playful slap crossed the line, one thing is clear—the show still has the power to get us talking.
Got a favorite blooper, fun fact, or bit of trivia about the series? Or do you think Jack went too far with his cheeky gesture? Share your thoughts in the comments— we’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to tag your friends who’d appreciate a little nostalgia trip!